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Toon legend Alan Shearer has been praised for backing the family of disabled Amelia Scott who are in a planning battle to build the new home she desperately needs.

Amelia, aged six, suffers from rare Jacobsen Syndrome and her parents, Neil and Donna, have been locked in an ongoing dispute with Darras Hall Estate’s Committee over their plans to convert their new home to suit their daughter’s needs.

The Committee has blocked proposals for the bungalow, which included converting a garage into a bedroom so a carer could be next to Amelia’s room.

Shearer, a resident of Darras Hall in Northumberland , said he had been so touched by the plight of Amelia’s family that he wanted to publicly show his support for them and has urged the committee to waive their objections.

He added: “I believe the decision was incorrect.

“Life is difficult enough as it is, but to have a disability in the family like this gorgeous girl has, makes me think I want to help in any way I can.

“I’m aware there are rules and regulations and that they are there for a reason. I understand that. But I don’t think this family is asking too much for what they want.

“Every circumstance should be looked at individually and this is a difficult and unique situation. But I believe this should be allowed and that they should, within reason, be able to do what they need to do.”

The story has attracted a raft of comments from readers on our Facebook page, several of them praising Shearer for trying to help Amelia and hoping his support will bring a positive outcome.

Steve Furness said: “Well done Alan for helping and hope it works. But it’s so sad that it couldn’t just be sorted as it should be. All the family want is to help their disabled daughter and give her the home she deserves.”

Steve Isaac added: “Alan Shearer had to make sure the right thing was done otherwise nothing will happen, so massive respect to you Alan.”

And Mark Anderson wrote: “Surely now they have Shearer supporting them something will be done.”

Janice Straw also praised the former Toon player: “That’s nice what you done.”

While Lynne Harding simply said: “True hero.”

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Many readers have reiterated their support for Amelia and her family.

“Amelia you are a little princess and you deserve to be treated like one,” says Zara Jan. “Hope and pray that you finally can have your castle.”

And Eileen Lynam wrote: “The power to give is surely greater than the power to take away. Give your support to this family.”

* The Darras Hall Estate Committee has outlined its reasons for rejecting plans put forward by the Scott family.

They stated: “A recently a revised application for consent to build was considered on behalf of the Scott family. This revised application failed to address the main issue preventing the acceptance of the original application.

“The estate office advised the Scott’s solicitors that this was the case and that the chances of success were unlikely. Never the less the application was submitted, and normal procedures put in place.

“Exactly the same observations and objections were received. After careful consideration of all factors the revised application was unanimously rejected at the MGM on 30 Nov. The committee wish to help the Scott’s achieve a viable solution and once again reiterated in their latest correspondence their willingness to meet. This offer is still open.”